Abstract
The establishment and existence of the Fluorspar Mining Company created direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population. However, the closure of mining activities within the mining area may have led to social and economic challenges for the local communities. The study objective was to analyze the livelihood strategies among households in Keiyo South Sub-county Elgeyo Marakwet County Kenya. The theory informed the study of Redefinition of situation. Survey research design guided the study. The target population was all the households' heads in the study area. The sample size was 254 respondents. A multistage sampling technique was used. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observation and focus group discussions. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages and presented in the form of matrix tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results of the study show that mining is a major propellant of economic activities in most mining areas by creating wealth, providing jobs, and stimulating business ventures for community members. Further, closure of the company acted as a major economic setback to the community as a whole. The study findings also show that majority 91(44.4%) of respondents earned an income of 4001-8000ksh while minority 7(3.4%) earned an income of between 0-500kshs. The average income per month after closure was too low since their main source of income was lost, leaving them in despair. Communities and mineworkers should be involved in planning for company closure and all other matters that affect their livelihoods.
Highlights
IntroductionAny destruction of livelihood is likely to lead to serious psychological, social, physical suffering and even death
Livelihood assurances and sustainability are key to human survival
The objective of this study was to analyze the livelihood strategies adopted by Keiyo South Sub-County communities who had benefited from fluorspar mining company after its closure
Summary
Any destruction of livelihood is likely to lead to serious psychological, social, physical suffering and even death. It becomes even worse when policy intervention is not put in place in time. Livelihoods of rural households are diverse across regions and countries and within countries. While some rural households rely primarily on one type of activity, most people seek to diversify their livelihood base as a way to reduce risk. The industry employs approximately 1 million people Plumpton [2]. In Peru, the mining sector accounts for 50% of the country’s annual export earnings.
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